Sustainable deconstruction of geosynthetics: New spreader bar in use
Innovative solution enables the structured removal of geogrids and nonwovens – resource-efficient and effective
In the use of geosynthetics for temporary construction roads or infrastructure projects, the focus has so far been on rapid and safe installation. Deconstruction, by contrast, has often been labour-intensive, time-consuming and associated with material losses. With a newly developed spreader bar, there is now for the first time a solution that significantly simplifies the deconstruction of geosynthetics such as our Secugrid® and Combigrid® geogrids and Secutex® nonwovens.
Efficient process and clear results
Deconstruction begins with the removal of the base course material using a flat excavator shovel positioned close to the geosynthetic material. The spreader bar is hydraulically driven and mounted on an excavator. The geosynthetic materials are first lifted by the excavator and pulled out under slight tension. The spreader bar then winds the exposed panels onto a core. This creates an orderly sequence: pull – separate base course gravel – roll up geosynthetic material. The result is fast, clean deconstruction with significantly reduced manpower.
Focus on sustainability
The key advantage: thanks to structured deconstruction process, the geosynthetic materials can be reused elsewhere, e.g. in a storage- or parking area, or alternatively sent for recycling. The base course material remains largely clean and can be reused in the next project without any significant loss of quality. In this way, the circular economy is put into practice in the construction industry.
When the materials finally reach the end of their service life, the circle closes: with product lines such as Naue EcoLine, which incorporate recycled and bio-based raw materials, Naue is working to establish sustainable solutions across the entire life cycle.
Research and future perspective
The development of this deconstruction method is part of the KuRT: ProGeo-UP research project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) under grant number 033R391G.The aim is to create processes that return geosynthetics to the cycle after use and make them available for reuse – an important step towards resource-efficient and future-oriented construction.
Watch the video of the deconstruction process here – and get in touch with us to discuss sustainable solutions for your projects, from initial planning through to efficient deconstruction.
